Network Basics - Study Guide
1. Exploring Networks
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A network is a group of connected devices (like computers, phones, routers) that can share data and resou
Types of Networks:
- LAN (Local Area Network): Small area like a home, office.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Larger area like the internet.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): City-level network.
Network Components:
- Devices: PC, laptop, router, switch, server.
- Media: Cables, wireless signals.
- NIC (Network Interface Card): Connects device to network.
- Router: Connects different networks.
- Switch: Connects devices inside a LAN.
2. Network Protocols and Communication
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Protocols are rules for communication. Like a common language for devices.
Key Protocols:
- TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol): Base of internet communication.
- HTTP/HTTPS: Web browsing.
- FTP: File transfers.
- DNS: Converts website names to IP addresses.
- DHCP: Gives IP addresses automatically.
Communication Types:
- Unicast: One-to-one.
- Multicast: One-to-many (specific group).
- Broadcast: One-to-all.
3. Application Layer (OSI Layer 7)
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It-s where users interact.
Protocols at Application Layer:
- HTTP/HTTPS: Web pages.
- FTP: File transfer.
- SMTP/POP3/IMAP: Emails.
- DNS: Resolving names to IPs.
4. Transport Layer (OSI Layer 4)
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Manages end-to-end data delivery.
Main Protocols:
- TCP: Reliable (guarantees delivery, e.g., web, email).
- UDP: Fast, but not reliable (e.g., video streaming, online games).
Functions:
- Data segmentation.
- Port numbers (helps identify specific applications like HTTP = port 80).
- Error checking.
5. Network Layer (OSI Layer 3)
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Handles delivery of packets between networks.
Main Protocol: IP (Internet Protocol)
Functions:
- Logical addressing (IP address).
- Routing (choosing best path to destination).
- Packet forwarding.
6. IP Addressing and Subnetting
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IP Address: Unique number for each device on a network.
IPv4 Format: 4 numbers (0-255) separated by dots. Example: 192.168.1.1
Subnetting:
- Divides networks into smaller parts.
- Uses Subnet Masks to determine network and host parts of an IP.
Example:
- IP: 192.168.1.10
- Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- Network part: 192.168.1
- Host part: .10
Why Subnet?
- Improve security.
- Efficient IP address usage.
- Reduce network traffic.
7. Network Access and Ethernet Technology
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Ethernet: Common LAN technology using cables (like CAT5, CAT6).
Network Access Layer (OSI Layers 1 & 2):
- Layer 1 - Physical: Cables, ports, signals.
- Layer 2 - Data Link: MAC addresses, switches.
MAC Address: Unique hardware address given to NICs.
Ethernet Frame: Data packet at this level includes:
- Destination MAC
- Source MAC
- Type
- Data
- Error checking info (FCS)
Common Speeds:
- 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet)
- 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
- 10 Gbps+ (for data centers)
